Starlings swoop into top spot in Derry birdwatch

Starlings have swooped into poll position in the Big Garden Birdwatch after being spotted in 75 per cent of gardens in Derry.

They are closely followed by house sparrows, which were top of the tree here in 2014.

It’s been a record-breaking year in Northern Ireland for the world’s biggest wildlife survey, as the RSPB reveals more than 22,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch earlier this year, including more than 2,500 in Co. Derry.

As part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, thousands of children and young people also took part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch in their playgrounds during January and February.

Amy Colvin from RSPB NI said: “It’s particularly encouraging to see so many schools in Derry/Londonderry getting involved in the survey.”